A global initiative to introduce squash to the 'smartphone'
generation has been launched in Munich, Germany, following a new
joint venture between Munich-based developer Fun with Balls
GmbH and the world's leading squash court manufacturer
ASB.

Fun with Balls' latest innovation, the
interactiveSquash (in short iSquash) concept
transforms standard squash courts into interactive training and
games centres - for the benefit of both regular squash players
as well as newcomers looking for fun in an interactive squash
workout.

iSquash uses regular squash equipment and a conventional court.
The pioneering system is powered by a unique ball-tracking
and projection system which transforms any regular squash
court into a digitally-augmented playground or training
facility.

The state-of-the-art invention provides a range of options -
from simple games where images on the wall disappear when hit,
to sophisticated coaching programmes designed for top
professionals.

An accompanying interactiveSquash
smartphone app, used to select a training module or game
also offers a wide range of attractions - with access to a
growing selection of games to training programmes. The app also
lets players reserve and pay for court time on iSquash courts
and other courts hosted at the same club.

Court-side, players can control which games they play from their
phones.

Games are designed to be as engaging as possible with multiple
levels, lively graphics and sounds. The iSquash motto is to get
players moving and active "with a focus on the fun and not
the burn!"

Training programmes are designed to hone skills and techniques
which are specific to competitive squash. Players will receive
instant visual feedback and assessments on their performance.

The iSquash facility has been unveiled at Sports4You in
Munich. The family-owned sports centre was founded in 1984
and was one of the first in Munich to adopt squash. Following
regular expansion, the facilities now feature 10 squash courts.

We liked the idea of uniting the classic
sport with the feeling of a video game," said centre manager
Chrissi Holzmann. "Moreover, we are convinced that
this new generation of squash will attract more people to it.
We're excited to be part of this new development.

"Initially there were two very distinct reactions from visitors
and members. The younger group were immediately excited by this
upgrade and wanted to try it immediately. The older group was
pretty sceptical," Holzmann acknowledged. "They were concerned
that technology was intruding into their sport, their passion.

"However, the squash veterans quickly realised that the system
still lets them play a proper game of good old fashioned squash,
allaying their fears. They became curious and have come to love
some of the training modules the system has to offer as a way to
warm up."

interactiveSquash founder Markos Kern said: "We have
taken the classic game of squash and given it an update for the
21st century.

"For me, the interesting part is that it gets people moving
without even realising the sports aspect of it.

"We focus on a very ease use - we don't have different balls or
different rackets. From professional squash players, through
starters and to very small kids, anybody can have fun with it."

Christof Babinsky, the CEO of ASB, describes iSquash as
'a breakthrough for squash court owners and the digital world
alike'.

"The new interactive experience will draw new audiences to
the squash court, as well as providing a nice alternative to
current players, a powerful training tool for professionals and
a great way to get very young kids used to a squash court, even
if they are not able to play yet," said Babinsky.

interactiveSquash –
important development for the entire squash community!From professional players
through to squash hobbyists, this exciting new development
is tipped to transform the sport like never before. The
conventional way of challenging someone to a match involves;
going to their court or vice-versa, comparing existing
scores or rankings and seeking out your opponent.

However, interactiveSquash provides a platform to play
against someone far away and see their stats live. This
gives players the opportunity to have a match and connect
with people they might never have considered playing with.

interactiveSquash adds an additional element of excitement
in unexpected ways to the average squash game. Some games,
you have to get used to, but you have a lot of fun once you
get it. Take for example the Fish Tank game. It looks like
it’s just for kids, but it adds a whole new dimension to
squash. A normal match has certain aims, but with a game the
objectives change, and you end up learning a whole new way
to play.

Any interactiveSquash player can create custom-made
squash routines!

The open platform means that anyone, from the average player
to coaches and pros, can develop their own training
routines. The value of near-infinite combinations of
training modules should not be underestimated. In a short
matter of time there could be thousands of new ways to
train.

interactiveSquash is also beneficial for players who know
how to handle a squash ball!

The platform provides more variety in training. Coaches can
finally give instant feedback to their players and design
unique training programs that keep players engaged for
hours. This tracking system can deliver progress reports and
lets players compare their skills with hard statistics. This
gives players a greater sense of achievement as opposed to
the hunch that they usually have to rely on.

interactiveSquash will bring in a new wave of players and
coaching methods. Professional coaches and national
governing bodies could consider bringing their own ideas of
training apps to their new clients. They could also
potentially gain revenue from selling their training module
through the interactiveSquash platform.

interactiveSquash boosts beginners and first-timers!

Everyone knows that you need to practice hitting thousands
of balls before you understand squash. Anybody knows, that
dedication and persistence make good squash players. Despite
its apparent simplicity, the satisfaction from playing
squash often escapes first-timers. They go to a court and
start playing. They don’t know how it works or how to warm
the ball up. After 30 minutes they throw the idea out the
window, because it’s ‘boring’.

The interactiveSquash system means people understand what to
do straight away. When their ball hits the targets they feel
rewarded immediately, and they want to continue playing.
Their learning curve is much better and they progress faster
as a direct result of playing interactive games.

interactiveSquash gives fitness enthusiasts a fun new way
to train!

20 years ago there weren’t so many trendy sports, so it’s
increasingly important that a game is as easy as possible to
understand and thrilling. interactiveSquash provides exactly
that – simple goals in a variety of exciting, fat-burning,
formats.

It gets people moving like never before. It gets people to
have fun from the get go and it gets people involved – even
spectators who don’t know squash can enjoy watching an
interactiveSquash game. This will invariably convert fitness
fans into squash fans.”

interactiveSquash supports court owners and employees. It
doesn’t just bring benefits for players. It will also
support the sport from the ground up. The deadliest thing in
the world of squash is the wrong treatment of a newcomer.

This person goes to the counter and asks to try squash. The
average club or center employee gladly provides a racket and
ball, and leaves the newcomer in the court. The coach or
manager isn’t available to help at that moment, and in the
end the newcomer leaves the court feeling disappointed and
confused by this ‘boring’ game. On the other hand,
interactiveSquash is easy to understand, learn, and teach.
Even court employees can explain how the games work. They
can help newcomers and beginners choose between different
games effortlessly.”

More interaction and advice from employees, and maybe even
spectators who have seen how the games work, makes the
newcomer feel more involved in the squash community
immediately. Repeat visitors means more squash being played
and more revenue for court owners.

interactiveSquash makes the court a point of interest!

An interactiveSquash match is a spectacle that captures the
attention of people sitting outside the court. The points
are displayed and the games are visually appealing, making
it a talking point for spectators. People will sit at the
club longer, because they want to know what is going on in
the next court. They will drink another beer, strike up a
conversation. Even non-players will get involved in the
discussion and tell their friends about the awesome games
they say.

interactiveSquash brings players of all skill levels
together!

Many sports have beginners – players who are attracted to a
sport purely for the sense of fun and association.
interactiveSquash invites players to become part of a global
community.

As soon as people understand that it’s a tool to connect it
will be a big hit. Initial resistance is normal. But, I
guarantee, if resistant people get into a [interactiveSquash]
court they’ll change their minds. iSquash is addictive,
because it’s challenging and fun.

Anyone who has been in a [interactiveSquash] court gets a
real understanding of what it is about. It’s probably hard
to judge if it’s really good or not from watching others
play or from videos. So try as hard as you can to get in a [interactiveSquash]
court.